Premier League Clubs To Vote On Gambling

The Premier League has asked its 20 member clubs to vote on whether to introduce a voluntary ban on gambling sponsorship on shirts following uncertainty over government action on the issue.

Half of last season’s had betting sponsors on their shirts, and it would take 14 of the 20 clubs to vote in favour of a ban for it to be approved.

Everton and promoted side Bournemouth have both recently signed new shirt deals with betting firms, Stake.com and Dafbet respectively.

The Premier League is keen to see gambling sponsorship phased out of the game in the next three years and sent an email to clubs on Monday to push the agenda forward. A decision is expected within the next week.

The Times reported last week that the government is set to scrap a proposed ban on gambling sponsors in British football, which looks to have has encouraged the Premier League’s request for voluntary removal of betting firms on shirts from the game as an alternative to legislation.

In April 2022, the UK’s Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) introduced a raft of new rules to limit the freedom of betting firm’s advertising activity. A ban on betting adverts from featuring sports stars and social media influencers, including teams’ official kits and stadiums in any potential campaigns will come into play in October. The overall objective is to reduce the appeal to those under the age of 18. However, shirt sponsorships are still within the rules.

A spokesperson for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport said, “We are undertaking the most comprehensive review of gambling laws in 15 years to make sure they are fit for the digital age.

“We will publish a white paper which sets out our vision for the sector in the coming weeks.”